A large number of familiesin the Rakhine region are apprehending if their houses would be sealed by themilitary junta as they fled the village due to the ongoing conflicts. Aresident of  Taungup township revealed the anxieties of war-fleeing familiesto Narinjara News recently.

Moreover, the junta isreportedly threatening actions against the villagers who constructed bombshelters.

On 4 February, a militarycouncil column inspected houses in the urban wards of Taungup locality andcompelled the owners to refill the ground where bomb shelters were created.

"Military juntasoldiers are patrolling the town, inspecting some particular houses. Theywarned the residents with bomb shelters and asked to  refill thoseimmediately,” added the resident.

Many individuals in thelocality, who fled their places out of fear, remain apprehensive if theirhouses would be sealed.

"There are rumours thatthe  junta is planning to seal off the houses. We are worried, even thoughwe have no details,” said another resident.

The individuals travellingfor health reasons are permitted with a recommendation from the generaladministrator. But the import of goods is still prohibited leading todisruption in the flow of essential goods.

"The cost of gasolinesurged to 25,000 MMK a month ago. Last week, it dropped to 15,000 MMK. Now thestockpiled gasoline is on sale at the rate of  8,500 MMK,” added theresident.

Currently, the junta forcesare conducting regular patrolling in Taungup’s urban areas. The residents alsoreported that military activities at the jetties continued putting thecivilians in trouble while moving out of the township.